Christmas Aftermath

After all the parties that I attended, all the food that I ate and all the gifts I received... This realization struck me the most in this year's Christmas.

The day before Christmas Eve we were listening to DZAS (a Christian radio station here in the Philippines) and they had a special programming in which they are raising funds for the victims of typhoon Sendong (Washi) that hit the northern part of Mindanao days before Christmas. The reports and scenes from the typhoon-hit cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete are really heart breaking. Many families lost their homes, properties and even lives of their loved ones--from babies to grandparents. There was a flash flood in the deep of the night that is believed an effect of illegal logging in the said areas.

Many were asking, "Where is Christmas in this?" or "How can they celebrate Christmas?" Sadly, many people believe that to have a Merry Christmas, you have to have a sumptuous meal, gifts to give and gifts to receive, be at the parties and go shopping. I'm not against these but may these things not hinder us to know the REAL meaning of Christmas.

Image from newlifeccc.org.au

Amidst the disaster that hit the Philippines this season, I was really reminded of the real picture or meaning of Christmas.

While listening to the radio, I got so overwhelmed by what I'm hearing that I started to cry. Not mainly because I pity those people who was hit by the tragedy but I can say it can add to that. But really, the reason is I can see the love of God manifested.

It's concrete. It's tangible.

Reporters say that people are giving in-kind donations to their offices, riding on jeepneys or tricycles. On television, many people are taking their part in helping people. Many are praying, many are giving their pledges, many are volunteering.

I know this "Christmas-inspired" post is kinda late but I believe that the love of God is never outdated and never seasonal.

It's classic, it's timeless and it's priceless.

Image from media.photobucket.com

I saw the real meaning of this season during this time of disaster in Mindanao. People are helping the helpless, leaving their comfort zones to volunteer, sharing what they have to people who can't pay them back, praying to people that they don't know and giving love and showing compassion.

It was like humanity before Christ was born; we were helpless, we were destroyed, we were hopeless... and thank God He gave His Son! Now as the song says, "the weary world rejoices"! Jesus left His comfort zone for us, He is generous to us who can't really pay Him back, He prayed and even died for people who doesn't know Him and gave love to us who are so undeserving. When I realized that this is what's happening to evacuation centers, I can't help but be overwhelmed and say that, "That is Christmas!"

Be part of this love movement and give! 

You can give through...
World Vision

Image from World Vision Philippines

Operation Blessings

Image from Operation Blessings Philippines

FEBC (702 DZAS)

Image from FEBC

With this, a verse came to my mind. I think this was the first ever Bible verse that I memorized! :)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16 (NIV)

  

Emergency!!! Typhoon Sendong (Washi)

Image from World Vision Philippines

Hi guys! I know I still don't have many readers here but I know some of you are from other parts of the world. Typhoon Sendong (Washi) hit the Southern part of the Philippines and the most devastated cities are Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Sadly, from what I read, many children were greatly affected by this. Many houses were destroyed along with their livelihood. Many lives were also taken and a lot of people are still missing.

I have relatives from Cagayan de Oro (my father grew up there) and I am just thankful that they are safe. In the spirit of Christmas let's have the heart to give to those who are in need and hurting -- like the victims of typhoon Sendong. Sending in your donations through World Vision-Philippines is as easy as saying "I love chocolates and marshmallows". Just click here and follow the steps. :)

As you send in your donations, send also your prayers to God. We do the hard work, God will do the "heart" work (healing and restoration for the hurting). Thank you very much and God bless you!

Twenty Three. Bente Tres. Dalawampu't Tatlo.

Seeing the number 23 reminds me of two persons: Michael Jordan and David Beckham. Number 23 is their jersey number and both are brilliant athletes in their chosen sports. ;) (And Beckham was one of my highschool crushes then... until now haha! :D)

Image from Wikipedia

Image from Wikipedia

I just turned 23 last Tuesday and my 22nd year on this earth was quite crazy! Haha! :D One of my major decisions then was about my career (oohh, career! ;P). Within the year I got a job then several months later I resigned because I decided to go freelancing and put up a small business (online most probably) so I'll have more time to volunteer in the church. But it was easier said that done! I was more delighted and satisfied helping or serving in the church, engaging with people and leading them than being in an office. I'm not saying that I was not thankful during the time that I'm in it, but I'm just happier and felt more fulfilled doing these.

It was not easy because I just found out that when you are just starting as a freelance graphic artist, looking for clients/project-based works through the net is not a piece of cake. Since you're searching in the worldwide web, the competition is more challenging because I'm sure there are hundreds of thousands freelance graphic artists out there doing the same stuffs that I do. Honestly, there are many times I saw myself complaining to God regarding this (and I am sorry to God.. :( ). Generally, I bring my plans to God for His approval before doing them. I believe that I got His approval when I decided to go and leave my previous job. But then in the following months I started to doubt if I really got Him right! There are times when I really got consumed with these issues like I don't have a regular income at the moment. I've known that when things are getting difficult it doesn't always mean that it is not God's will. (Again, easier said than done! Haha! ;P) I'm just thankful to God because when I feel like giving up, He will give me a Word and by His grace I will be able to hold on again. :)

Image from notsalmon.com

I frankly asked Him if I got Him all wrong and can I just get another office work because it looked like I got all the reasons to do so. But He just said to me, through His Word, that I just have to "keep the faith and keep hoping" (Romans 4:16 & 18). He didn't say I got Him all wrong, but just keep the faith. So until now I'm still working on my freelance career and my tiny-winy business hehe. :)

It's said that when you count your blessings, you will find out that there are reasons for you to be always thankful for... even on the little things. So I looked in what I have and not on what I don't. First, I have this intimate relationship with God, I have a whole & loving family and we don't really get sick, I have my spiritual family who are also my friends and are ready to encourage me, God gave me talents that I can use to serve Him and others and He entrusted to me people for me to guide in their walk with God. The list could go on and on and really I have many blessings in this life that I should be thankful to God for. :) This past year may be really crazy (there are more "crazy" things that happened actually than this ;P) but having this roller-coaster ride was worth it all because God is with me. :) I believe He's just teaching me lessons when He put me on these "crazy" situations. :) And yes! Celebrating my 23rd birthday is also a blessing! :D

Image from dogs.lovetoknow.com

I prayed to God a thanksgiving prayer during my birthday, and that I may do His will by His grace and be always joyful while doing it. It's my prayer that I will finish the race strong AND joyful! (And I hope you will have the same prayer, too! ^^) I asked what His Word for me for my birthday and the book of Titus was impressed to me.

"...who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own eager to do what is good." - Titus 2:14

"This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless." -Titus 3:8-9

"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." -Titus 3:14

BOTTOMLINE IS: Continue to do what is good! And what is "good"? The will of God (Romans 12:2)... And the will of God is the Word of God. :)